How Much Do Spinal Cord Injuries Cost to Treat?

The central nervous system is composed of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. According to PubMed Health, the skull and vertebral canal protect the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for controlling all bodily functions that are essential for sustaining life.

Spinal cord injuries can impair critical functions throughout the body either temporarily or permanently. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, spinal cord damage can result in paraplegia, quadriplegia, loss of mobility or loss of sensation.

According to the Mayo Clinic, common causes of spinal cord injuries include car accidents, falls, violent altercations and sports injuries. Medical malpractice may also cause spinal cord injuries that have lasting repercussions.

If you or a member of your family suffered a spinal cord injury due to a surgical error, contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. David A. Bowling is a medical malpractice lawyer in New Orleans with more than 30 years of trial experience. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation.

What Are the Immediate Costs of Treating Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries almost always require emergency treatment to stabilize the patient and prevent further damage. The first few hours following spinal cord trauma are critical for a positive prognosis.

Immediately following the injury, the primary goal is to stabilize the victim’s blood pressure and breathing. The doctor or emergency medical responder will also attempt to immobilize the spinal column. In some cases, this requires emergency surgery to remove anything that is causing spinal cord compression.

How Much Does a Spinal Injury Cost to Treat?

According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, treatment for a spinal cord injury can be exorbitantly expensive. A patient with high tetraplegia can expect to pay $1,064,716 for medical bills in the first year and more than $184,000 during each subsequent year.

Even a minor spinal cord injury that causes incomplete motor function costs an average of $347,484 in the first year and $42,206 for each following year. These estimates do not include indirect costs such as lost wages.

People who suffer high tetraplegia at age 25 can expect to pay more than $4.7 million in lifetime medical costs. The average lifetime cost of treating the loss of motor function at any level is $1,578,274.

Many patients with spinal injuries never make a full recovery. They require ongoing medical care and extensive rehabilitation. In addition to the financial loss, some victims can never partake in the activities they enjoyed before their injuries.

If you sustained a spinal cord injury due to medical negligence in Louisiana, contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. Attorney David A. Bowling will evaluate your case, interview your medical team, and help you claim the highest possible compensation for health-care bills, lost income and non-economic damages. Call (504) 586-5200 today to discuss your claim with a spinal cord injury attorney in New Orleans.